Special Olympics 2009

The pop pierced the air, echoing off of the surrounding bleachers. Cheers erupted as the crowd clapped and encouraged the students. On the track, the athletes were running, all in their own individual way. One boy had long, smooth strides, another with his head down, barreling forward with all his strength. The young man at the rear was laughing heartily while his arms were flailing, having the best time of his life. Though only one would win the blue ribbon, you never knew the others didn’t come in first as the excitement shone on their faces!

This was the scene surrounding me as I attended the Special Olympics hosted by the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District at Panther-Mustang stadium on Wednesday the 25th. We took a small group of boys from Heritage Middle School to compete in the games and the bus ride to the stadium was filled with electricity. Each one discussed what events they were participating in and how they expected to make out. Two boys made a friendly bet with each other, whichever one lost would have to wear a tutu to school the next day with a t-shirt that said “I love tutu’s!” Of course, that bet never came to fruition.

Tandy Blackstock of Grapevine Middle School was the main organizer of the event, and she did an outstanding job! There was a refreshment suite with food from Chic-fil-A and Krispy Kreme donuts, along with water and sodas and fresh fruit for the volunteers. The opening ceremonies left nothing to be desired as the fire department presented the flag in their traditional kilts. A student by the name of Patrick sang a moving rendition of the National Anthem as we all placed our right hand over our heart. When they began to announce each school district, I silently hummed the theme from “Rocky” (it just felt appropriate!) Schools from all over the metroplex came to participate, including Arlington, Keller, Birdville and so many others.

This was not my first Special Olympics to have the joy of attending, and it definitely will not be my last. If you have never had the pleasure of watching these amazingly talented and special athletes compete, and seen the smiles plastered on their faces, you really need to put it on your bucket list! It will bring lasting joy and happiness to you and the students!